HOUSTON, Texas – A 22-year-old Houston woman has been caught in a scheme to commit wire fraud using social media platform Instagram, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Between March 2020 and December 2020, Desiree Coleman conspired with others to commit wire fraud by filing false applications for government assistance. Coleman instructed others on how to defraud government programs and applied for benefits using false representations.
Coleman charged a fee per fraudulent application she filed and used the internet to conduct the schemes. She had advertised her services via her Instagram stories, which were seen by close to 3,000 followers.
Most of Coleman’s conversations regarding FEMA and unemployment fraud schemes were conducted via private Instagram messages. The investigation revealed that Coleman used the internet to commit the fraudulent schemes and had advertised her services on Instagram.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. accepted Coleman’s plea and has set sentencing for May 1. At that time, Coleman faces up to five years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Coleman was permitted to remain on bond pending the hearing. The Department of Homeland Security-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez prosecuted the case.
Desiree Coleman, a 22-year-old Houstonian, has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. The case is a reminder that the internet can be a powerful tool for committing crimes, and social media platforms can be used to recruit and advertise fraudulent schemes.
The investigation and prosecution of Coleman’s case highlight the importance of vigilance in detecting and preventing wire fraud. It also serves as a warning to those who would use social media to commit crimes.
Related Federal Cases
- Shannon Tecoko Mays, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Texas, 2012 · Oklahoma
- Jason Jarin, Medicaid Fraud and Illicit Transition Procedures, Texas 2023 · Oklahoma
- Albert Davis, Wire Fraud, Kansas City, MO, 2023 · Texas
- Michael Scott Calhoun, Wire/Mail Fraud, OK, 2023 · Oklahoma
- James Pavlounis, Social Security Administration Fraud and Tax Evasion, California 2023 · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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